What's on in Tuscany this October

What's on in Tuscany this October

October means the flavors of fall have arrived: if you happen to be in Tuscany during this month, you’ll have a wide selection of events and manifestations dedicated to some of the most traditional products in Tuscany, from chestnuts to mushrooms to truffles. October is dedicated to spending time in the woods: in particular, the Casentino, Mugello and Mount Amiata are the areas where prestigious varieties of chestnuts grow abundantly and have gained the important IGP quality designation.

But that is only the beginning, the harvest of the olives begins, as well as the first pressing that leads to our renown extra virgin olive oil. It’s also grape harvesting time (although sometimes it starts earlier in September), and many people eagerly await the novello wines (which literally means the season's newly made wine).

We are constantly updating the activities for the each year however, if they have not yet been posted by official sites then we write in TBA (to be announced) - so keep checking in with us...or write us on the Forum.

Traveling to Florence while visiting Tuscany? Remember to check out the calendar for Florence and the many select events that happen in this great city.

Marradi | SAGRA DELLE CASTAGNE | Oct 4 - 18 & 25

celebrating the chestnut harvest

A true celebration of all the flavors of the “marroni di Marradi”, with food stands offer the traditional recipes such as tortelli di marroni (chestnut pasta), torta di marroni (chestnut cake), il castagnaccio (chestnut dessert), jams and marmalades with chestnuts, marrons glacés, i bruciati or caldarroste (roasted chestnuts). You can even reach Marradi on a steam engine. leaving from Pistoia, which stops in Florence and several other locations before arriving at the chestnut sagra.

Impruneta | FESTA DI SAN LUCA | Oct 15-23

the oldest livestock fairs in all of Europe

The fair of San Luca was first documented the 1600’s. Even in today’s modern and hectic lifestyle, it remains an important moment, as see by this quote:

The lives of the people of Impruneta revolved around ‘La Fiera’ or ‘The Fair.’ They lived their lives waiting for The Fair so that they could enjoy some honest and healthy fun; they would wait until The Fair to ask their Madonna for an indulgence; to take a spin on the Merry-Go-Round; to profess their love to their beloved or to buy a new umbrella. […]’ Leo Codacci, from The Most Beautiful Town in the World or Il Paese più Bello del Mondo (Officine Grafiche, Firenze, 1968

Ospedale di SMN | MUSICA IN LUOGHI INSOLITI | Oct 1

music in the most unusual places

A very suggestive atmosphere is created when some of the historical palaces in Florence open up their doors to the public - music will be at the center of this series of events which seek to invite people into these unusal places. For example, Casa Rodolfo Siviero (where the secret spy/diplomat brought back to Italy many of the Italian masterpieces of art stolen by nazist troops during WW2 occupation). There will be three guided tours of the house followed by three mini concerts. website of the Tuscan region. The program kicks off on October 1st and runs through December 6th; reservations are required.

The Medici Dynasty | THE MEDICI DYNASTY | All of October

Learning History at the Theater

Intrigue. Murder. Riches beyond your imagination. Follow the Medici family and their drama in an English theater presentation in the heart of Florence. Read our article to find out more about where, when and how to reserve your place.

Corazzano | FIERA MERCATO DEL TARTUFO BIANCO | 1° weekend of October

International Market and Fair of the White Truffle

One of the most important and prestigious events taking place in the province of Pisa is the International Market and Fair of the White Truffle at Corazzano (a suburb of San Miniato). San Miniato is the most important town for truffles and you’ll have the chance to taste and buy one the most prestigious food products.

The name is a mouthful, but so are the flavors! Dedicated to the full range of fall perfumes, colors and foods. Palaia in the province of Pisa and near the enticing town of San Minitao, will feature chestnuts, white truffles and vin Novo.

Volterra | PALIO DEI CACI | Oct 23

mixing food and fun

During the Palio dei Caci (a sort of "cheese competition"), participants of each contrada (district of the city) will roll a wheel, which represents a form of cheese through the small streets of the city center. A silly game - but a serious skill! One that will have you cheer and laughing along with the locals. The entire town comes out to cheer their district in this competition and to see who is the fastest in this antique game of skill.

Balconevisi | PALIO DEL PAPERO | Oct 10 & 11

the loser ends up in the pot

It began as a lark 34 years ago, when an improvised race between ducks was set up in the city streets...what started as fun and games has now become a chance to uphold the honor of the different areas of this small city at the foot of San Miniato. Fun and games are always combined with a hearty menu...but the loser needs to beware - his (or her) photo is taken in the pot...over a flame!

Balconevisi | SAGRA DEL TARTUFO BIANCO E DEL FUNGO | Oct 17 - 18

brief presentation but not always necessary

Since the people of this small town saw the success of San Miniato, and since many of the truffles that end up at that fair actually come from their borders, decided to celebrate the tastes of fall with many food events to chestnuts, wine, mushrooms and truffles.

Montescudaio | FESTA DEL VINO DOC | 1° weekend of October

49° Edition: DOC wine festival

14 small jewels (wine producers) nestled in the Tuscan landscape characterized by its closeness to the sea produce a DOC which includes a territory in all of the comune of the Val di Cecina, except for Volterra. This year they celebrates 40 years of DOC nomination at their wine festival.

Castelnuovo di Val di Cecina | CASTAGNALANDIA | 3° weekend of October

Every year they change theme but to be honest, it's not the townspeople who are featured at this fair. The protagonist is the chestnut, a typical product of this territory but also traditions, foods and games from important moments throughout history, like the Union of Italy, the 1600’s and even the Medieval period.

Abbadia San Salvatore | FESTA D’AUTUNNO | 2° & 3° weekend of October

festival of Autumn

A celebration of a time when the nearby Monte Amiata provided all that was required to survive the year. The festival celebrates the harvest, and the recreation of antique recipes using the flavours of the season.

Piancastagnaio | FESTA DEL CRASTATONE | Oct 28 - Nov 1

chestnuts roasting on an open fire

The word “crastatone” is the local dialect for roasted chestnuts, a treat that made up a large part of the diet in this area especially in lean times. Now it is celebrated for its delicious flavor and traditions.

Campiglia d’Orcia | FESTA DEL MARRONE | Oct 30

not just chestnuts

The town of Campiglia, in order to preserve their own special personality and history celebrate not only the chestnut, or “marrone”, in its many forms but the “rioni” or town sections (called Agitati, Dentro and Borgassero) decorate the city streets with a theme adding color and fantasy to this festival.

Poggibonsi | STREETFOOD VILLAGE | Oct 7 - 9

Italy has found the fun in street food, which isn’t surprising for a nation known worldwide for its delicious recipes. Poggibonsi in Chianti opens their gates to food trucks from all over, and their offerings which range from classic street food to fantasy recipes, from antipasti treats to delectable desserts.

Camigliano | TIRO DELLA DRUZZOLA | 1° Sunday of October

antique games near Montalcino

A game that has its origins in the 1600’s: a small olive wood disc with a ring of iron around the edges, wrapped with a cord and “thrown” - the longest throw wins. Mix fun and games with fire roasted chicken and the delicious wines of Montalcino for the perfect combination.

Montalcino | SAGRA DEL TORDO | Last Sunday of October

a hunt with bows and arrows

This celebration actually takes place twice, once in August with the opening of the hunting season, and then again in October when the town districts compete in a traditional bow and arrow competition. And of curse everything is followed by a food festival where one the main ingredient is the thrush (a small bird).

Trequanda | FESTA DELL'OLIO NOVO DI PODERE | Oct 22 - 23

Festival of the new olive oil harvest

One of the first events of the year which highlight the new olive harvest, which is why they call it “Olio Novo”. Not only can you arrive by traditional means (by car) but this event is also one of the itineraries on the steam engine calendar.

Montisi | FESTA DELL'OLIO | October TBA

festival of the new olive oil

The southern part of Tuscany matures faster, and they are the first to display their olive oil harvest. Montisi, located between Montepulciano, Pienza and Montalcino takes this opportunity to show off not only their oil but also the mills and the charming little town. You will find olive oil, truffles and Vino Doc Orcia on the menu throughout the streets and in the restaurants.

Bagno Vignoni | CASTAGNATA D’AUTUNNO | Oct 30

chestnuts in Val d’Orcia

The charming town of Bagno Vignoni between Pienza and Montalcino, features a lovely setting for taste testing chestnuts.

San Quirico d’Orcia | PRIMOLIO | Oct 31- Nov 1

first press olive oil

San Quirico d’Orcia sets the scene for a festival centered around the green gold of Tuscany.

Molazzana | CASTAGNATA IN PIAZZA | Oct 9

first press olive oil

Garfagnana celebrates the arrival of the season with many festivals dedicated to chestnuts and to the new season's wine, including one in Molazzana on the 18th. What you really must see to believe: the fountain of the town, for the celebrations, spews wine instead of water! Wine is the perfect complement to taste the many local traditional delicacies!

Lucca | COMICS & GAMES (GOLD) | Oct 28 -Nov 1

in Lucca it really is all fun & games

Then head back into Lucca for a worldwide event! The Lucca Comics and Games International Convention is "THE" convention which celebrates cartoons and comics, with no limit on time or space. If you love this kind of festival, you’ll also be captured by the magic of this event: thousands of people in costumes will crowd the center of the city, each one dressed up in their favorite characters with much attention paid to all of the tiniest details. Strolling along the lanes of Lucca during these three days will be like living in a comic! Obviously, stands and themed installations complete the scenery of this festival, which is often sold out several months earlier. You'll find the complete program on the official website, including useful information on prices and where to buy your tickets.

Barga | MERCATINO ANTIQUARIATO | Oct 9

head into the Garfagnana

It's not all about the food, in fact just north of Lucca in the area known as the Garfagnana you will find fall colors, flavors and an antique fair that merits a visit.

Monticello Amiata | FESTA DELLA CASTAGNA | 2° weekend in October

following the road of the chestnut

7, 8 & 9 October you will find the traditional festival of the chestnut with tastings, music, markets, guide tours of the “Via della Castagna” and the “Tegliate” which are large pans which you will find positioned throughout the town where you can cook the chestnuts.

Orbetello | GUSTATUS | Oct 28 - Nov 1

perfume and flavours of the farming & lagoon traditions

The 11th edition of a festival that highlights the traditions of the Maremma and Tuscany in general.

Arcidosso | LA CASTAGNA IN FESTA | Oct 14,15,16,21,22,& 23

first press olive oil

Food stands, tastings of recipes based on chestnuts, guided tours of the area and markets with handcrafts all for festival that makes use of the brisk temps in Autumn

Montalcino | GRAN FONDO DEL BRUNELLO | Oct 9

biking your way through Val d’Orcia

Another winning mix, beautiful scenery, a quaint hamlet, great wine and biking - don’t miss the fun and excitement in Val d’Orcia where the mountain bikes follow an itinerary on the panoramic roads and dirt paths in the valley.

Vergaio | PASSIONE D’AUTUNNO | Oct 9

chocolate and chestnuts

Instead of celebrating the fruits of the season, this small town outside of Pratofocuses its attention on an ingredient that has no season, that tickles the appetite of children and grown-ups alike: chocolate. Come and check out handmade, artisan chocolate, in addition to other traditional local food products.

Bacchereto | CHESTNUT FESTIVAL | Oct 15-16 & 22-23

Picturesque little town outside of Prato, near the metropolis of Florence, where you can go and enjoy the flavors of autumn

Cantagallo | SBRUCCIATATA | October TBA

Come and explore the countryside around Prato, and indulge in some vin brulé, hot wine cider, and chestnuts for everyone.

Arezzo | MERCATO INTERNAZIONALE | Oct 14 - 16

three km of streets with stands & tastings

For most of us, traveling around the entire world might be a dream difficult to achieve, but the Markets around the World along the streets of Arezzo can let you do so in a virtual way! Explore some of the most distant corners of the planet and off-the-beaten-paths through food delicacies and handicraft specialties from many countries. Let yourself be carried away by the aroma of faraway places in what we'd love to be our "80 days around the world" journey.

The first chestnuts were planted by the monks in the medieval times, and for centuries this tree and its fruit feed the inhabitants of this small town between Arezzo and Florence from starvation which often threatened this mountain town in the harsh winters.

Anghiari | APPENNINO CENTOGUESTI | Oct 31

a hundred flavors of the Apennines

During the course of the exhibition, the restaurants which participate in the initiative Cento Gusti will have special menus, tastings and meetings (morning and afternoon) where you can view in more detail honey, breadmaking, sweets and after dinner liquors. The festival starts on the 31st of October and includes the 1 & 2 of November

Balze of Montemarciano | FESTA D’AUTUNNO | Oct 23

the hills of Terranuova Braccialini

To enjoy both a culinary festival and a guided excursion into the local area, head to the Fall Festival visits with experts to the Balze of Montemarciano, where you'll finf music, wine, cornmeal mush, castagnaccio (chestnut flour cake) and bruciate (roasted chestnuts, also called frugiate or caldarroste), gastronomic stands and tastings.

Arezzo | MADE IN ITALY | Oct 22-24

all that glitters in Arezzo

The city of Arezzo will be celebrating one of the most important "Made in Italy" products: the goldworking tradition of the city at Gold Italy.

Camaiore | FESTA PIC | Oct 8 & 9

and some like it hot

PIC stands for Piccante. The city center of Camaiore on the coast of Tuscany is for all those who like it hot, “peperoncino” hot. An exhibition featuring many different varieties from all over the world of chili peppers. In addition you will find music, shows and fun.

Cinigiano | FESTA DELL’UVA | Oct 1 & 2

Carnival in October

The townspeople of Cinigiano in Grosseto borrowed the idea of the floats from Viareggio and made them the protagonist of their festival in honor of the grape, the true diva of the territory.

Borgo a Mozzano | HALLOWEEN | Oct 29-31

the best Halloween Event in Tuscany

Most eagerly-awaited Halloween Feast is at Borgo a Mozzano - where the legendary Ponte del Diavolo or Ponte della Maddalena is located. This festival is so popular across the region that it always attracts thousands of people from everywhere in Tuscany. Plan to arrive a bit earlier in the afternoon, or you'll probably have trouble finding parking.

Camaiore | HALLOWEEN | October

There's another Halloween event we strongly suggest you consider: Halloween in passeggiata (Halloween on the promenade) in Camaiore on October 24 and 25 (instead of 31).

Chianciano Terme | LA NOTTE DELLE STREGHE | Oct 31

the witching hour

Trick or treat and frightening costumes will be at the center of the Night of Witchesin Chianciano Terme south of Montepulciano.

Author: Donna Scharnagl

It has been over 24 years since I took my first steps in Italy and I still haven’t found a good reason to leave. Between the food, the culture, the history, the art, the landscapes … did I mention the food? I have become a lifelong student. And I soon learned that Italians all have stories that long to be told; stories that paint a picture of how hard work produces character, how life is made of ups and downs and how good it feels to laugh.